WE RECEIVED REGULAR FEEDBACK from our school, visiting coaches and people from out of state who come to play on our field that this is one of the best softball fields in the state or one of the best they have ever played on. I think that is a testament of the hard work that I have put into maintaining the field. I know I have not reached my potential yet, and feel I will only continue to get better and put out better results every year. Having no staff becomes very challenging — bouncing from school to school to keep all the fields up to par. This becomes more difficult in the spring when our high school and junior high baseball, softball and soccer seasons start. Spring is a very wet season in northern Utah, so to get our fields ready to play three to five home games on the same day when it has just rained or snowed becomes a great challenge. Having a limited budget that is constantly changing makes it difficult as well.
– Brett Barker, head athletic facilities groundskeeper
Level and category of submission: Schools and Parks Softball
Field manager: Brett Barker
Title: Head athletic facilities groundskeeper
Education: High School diploma and sports turf management certificate
Experience: I began working in sports field management almost four years ago when our school district decided to create this new position. I currently have 10 natural grass fields and four synthetic turf fields that I oversee districtwide. I am in charge of mowing, fertilizing, spraying herbicides, irrigation, game day prep and any field maintenance repairs. I do not have any assistants on my staff. We do have a district lawn crew that will mow the junior high fields for me, but they stay off the varsity fields. I consider myself very new to the sports field management world with a lot still to learn. But I have come a long way since being hired.
Original facility construction: 2020
Turfgrass: 22% Renegade DT tall fescue, 14.84% Zigzag tall fescue, 13.15% Metolius perennial ryegrass, 12.14% Tribute II tall fescue, 9.87% Line drive II perennial ryegrass, 9.22% Molalla perennial ryegrass, 6.12% Shining Star perennial ryegrass, 4.97% Ashland Kentucky bluegrass, and 4.96% Shamrock Kentucky bluegrass.
Overseed: I overseed after each season due to usage on the field to help repair the worn out areas in the outfield as well as the lip transitions at shortstop and between first and second base.
Rootzone: Clay loam
SportsField Management (SFM): Congratulations on the Field of the Year win. What are you most proud of with this win?
Brett Barker: I think the thing that I am most proud of winning this prestigious award is being able to represent the State of Utah, Ogden School District and Ben Lomond High School. I believe Utah has some of the best sports fields in America with some of the top groundskeepers around . Looking at the history of this award across all levels — Professional, College and University, and Schools and Parks — I believe only two individuals from Utah have ever received it: Dan Farnes from Real Salt Lake and now myself. To have achieved this honor in just four short years in the sports field management industry is truly incredible and such a privilege.
SFM: What were the biggest challenges you have faced with the winning field, and how have you approached those challenges?
Barker: The biggest challenges I’ve faced with maintaining the winning field have been dealing with infield skin drainage issues and working within our athletic budget. We are a small school district, and our athletic budget is far from the largest. When the field was originally installed, it wasn’t done correctly — it lacked proper grading, and the installed field drains were back graded, making them essentially useless . This made water management a significant issue. To address the challenge, I added a slight grade to the infield skin to help shed water away from the surface, which has been very effective. My approach to challenges is rooted in understanding that difficult situations will arise daily. Adapting, finding solutions, and staying consistent are key.
SFM: Can you share a little about your overall management approach to the winning field and what you feel have been the most important aspects to getting this field to an award-winning level?
Barker: My overall management approach centers on consistency, hard work and a commitment to always leaving the field better than I found it, while continuously finding new ways to improve it. Sticking to mowing schedules, fertility programs and other maintenance routines is crucial. I take great pride in knowing that the softball team feels confident in the playing surface when they come out to practice or play a game. Seeing their trust in the field, thanks to the work that’s been done, is incredibly rewarding and allows them to focus on improving their game.
SFM: Please tell us about your crew, and anything else you would like us to know about your organization and the fields/facilities that you manage?
Barker: I wish I could talk about my crew, but I don’t have one. At the SFMA awards banquet, some even referred to me as the “lone wolf.” For me, that’s what makes winning this prestigious award even more special. I managed to achieve it without a crew, all while overseeing 11 other varsity and junior high school fields. What truly makes this accomplishment possible is the incredible support team I have at Ogden School District. From my two Supervisors — Jared Cherry and Mitch Arquette — to our Custodial Supervisor, Marc Blanchard, and our Superintendent, Luke Rasmussen — they’re all strong advocates for athletics. Having that kind of support from the very top makes my job so much more rewarding. They’ve always believed in me and the work being done at our schools.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife, Rachel. I’m also incredibly grateful to my mentors and friends in the industry, including Cameron Toone and Ryan Hatch from Dura Edge; Daryl Dinkel from Target Specialties; Brandon Haddick from Mile High Turf Grass; and one of my best friends, Matt Bain, a golf course superintendent who encouraged me to apply for this job four years ago and step into the turf industry. The knowledge they’ve shared with me is unmatched, and I’ll forever be grateful for their guidance and support.
SFM: Can you share a bit of insight into what the Field of the Year application process was like for you, as well as any tips you might have for other sports field managers?
Barker: I’d say the application process was a bit nerve wracking for me at first, especially since I’ve only been in the industry for four years. I questioned whether the work and results I’ve achieved were good enough, especially after looking up past winners. But overall, the process wasn’t bad at all.
When it comes to tips for other sports field managers, it’s tough to say because I still have so much to learn myself. However, one tip I’d offer is to stay consistent, work hard and take pride in what you do every single day. Be proud of your efforts and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. This industry is like one big family, and we all want to see each other succeed.
One of the things that I love about the sports field management industry is the sense of community — everyone is willing to help and share their knowledge. It’s that collaborative spirit that has made overcoming challenges much more manageable.
The Field of the Year Awards program is made possible by the support of sponsors Carolina Green, World Class Athletic Surfaces and The Aquatrols Company.